Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative

Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative (LPCI)

Program Information

The lesser prairie chicken is a ground nesting bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The lesser prairie chicken is best known for its unique courtship displays and ï¿½gobblingï¿½ grounds. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairie chicken population and its original distribution have declined significantly since 1800. Human influences such as the conversion of native rangelands to cropland, decline in habitat quality due to herbicide use, petroleum and mineral extraction activities, and excessive grazing of rangelands by livestock are all considered possible contributors to this decline. In an effort to curb this decline and increase suitable habitat for this important upland bird species, the NRCS has developed a five state initiative. The Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative (LPCI) provides conservation assistance to landowners throughout the lesser prairie chicken range for the maintenance and enhancement of suitable habitat while also benefiting agricultural producers and maintaining the farming and ranching operations throughout the region.

Application Process, Eligibility, and Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, but only those received by the announced cut-off date will be considered for funding during the current year. Funding selections will be made exclusively from those applications received.

Applicants may apply by completing the NRCS-CPA-1200 Application Form and Appendix and submitting it to their local NRCS Field Service Center.